Rafah crossing in Gaza reopens with severe restrictions

Sunday 01 February 2026 - 11:40

By: Sahili Aya

Rafah crossing in Gaza reopens with severe restrictions

Israel partially reopened the Rafah border crossing with Egypt on Sunday, allowing only residents of the Gaza Strip to pass under strict conditions, officials reported. The crossing, the only direct link between Gaza and the outside world that does not pass through Israel, had been closed since May 2024 except for a brief limited reopening in early 2025.

The Civil Administration (COGAT) in Israel stated that the reopening is part of a “pilot phase” coordinated with the European Union Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) and relevant authorities. However, the measures fall far short of international demands to allow humanitarian aid and medical evacuations for Gaza’s war-torn population.

Approximately 200 patients were waiting to travel to Egypt for medical treatment, according to Gaza’s health ministry under Hamas control. About forty Palestinian Authority officials were also awaiting authorization to enter Gaza from Egypt.

The reopening comes amid a fragile ceasefire following recent clashes, including Israeli airstrikes on Saturday that killed 32 people, according to Gaza Civil Defense. Israel said the strikes were in response to ceasefire violations.

Full reopening of Rafah is part of the peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, which includes the eventual return of all humanitarian and administrative movements once security conditions are met. The crossing will operate under Israeli security authorization and EU supervision, with Egypt facilitating the passage of those permitted to travel.